Took my rib out for the first time yesterday and had steering issues. 4.9m Lifeguard Equipment Ltd 1996 (Tornado) with 60hp 2 stroke Mercury.

When I bought it a week or so ago steering was tested and was smooth and faultless. On the water yesterday the steering was excessively heavy and at times felt like it "locked out" with an inability (or severe issues) to manoeuvre at slow speed.

Need less to say I then decided to put it back on the trailer and that was also a mission with limited steerage!!

Being new to boat ownership can anyone give any advice on where to start looking for a fault finding mission?

Need to know if it's cable or hydraulic? Pictures would help
Maybe disconnecting the link arm to the engine would be a good start point to rule out issues with the engine itself which is unlikely as it's usually the steering mech itself

Looks quite worn and corroded to be fair... and I have no idea on where I could top up any fluid??? It appears to be a mechanical unit so I'm guessing the fluid would be self contained? Any suggestions?

Easiest option is complete helm and cable kit around £100 then your fully sorted
You can buy separate but pointless for a safety related item
Cable is fine for 60hp so not worth the expense and hassle of hydraulic